Cleaning up: £400,000 electric bin lorry takes to Dudley streets
An electric-powered bin lorry has taken to the streets in Dudley as part of a trial to test out more green methods.
Chiefs at Dudley Council say the vehicles costs around £400,000 each – with regular bin lorries costing £180,000.
But they say the move will help deliver savings of more than £15,000 a year in fuel and maintenance costs.
Bosses say they are working with Midlands Energy Hub to obtain funding to cover the gap – which would allow them to purchase two.
It will also reduce the amount of greenhouse gas and nitrous oxide emissions released compared to the other vehicle.
Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for environmental, highways and street services, said: "There is no doubt they are significantly more expensive than normal bin lorries but the environmental advantages of using electric lorries are enormous.
"I am massively in favour of their use, and welcome the work of the Midlands Energy Hub in trying to make such vehicles affordable for local councils.".
